If you’ve been following the world of competitive Jiu-Jitsu for some time, then you’re probably more than well-aware of the long-lasting beef between Gordon Ryan and Felipe Pena – often instigated by Ryan’s no-holds-barred comments on social media.

So, it comes as a surprise that “The King” recently took to social media to praise his adversary:

 He’s 1 of 3 people to ever beat me without the gi at black belt, the only person to ever beat me twice at black belt, and the only person to ever submit me at black belt.

He continues:

We come from different parts of the world and have very different cultures and beliefs.
He doesn’t agree with some of the things I do, and I don’t agree with some of the things he does.

However, Ryan agrees that they’ve made each other better:

I wouldn’t be the athlete I am without him, nor would he be the athlete he is without me.
He uprooted his comfortable life in Brazil and moved to a different country with a different team, just to prepare for me.

After all we have been through and all the fighting we have done on and off the mats, I can truly say I’m thankful for him.
We may never be best friends, but we certainly respect each other.

He is one of the greats, and he’s played a big role in helping me become of the greats.

 

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